Questions over why our GDP looks bleak compared to some other countries

New Zealand's gross domestic product has shrunk by a record 12.2 per cent in the June quarter -- showing the impact of the lockdown and border closures.

Australia has recorded a seven per cent decline, Canada 11.5 -- and the United States nine point one.

Otago University Associate Professor Sara Walton puts that down to tourism.

She says if we think about the level of goods and services -- in terms of GDP and what it measures -- she thinks the lack of international tourists is behind the latest figure.